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Philanthropy in a Comanche Legend

Grades: 
3, 4, 5
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Legend of the Bluebonnet (The)
Analyze/Interpret
Communities
December
Disaster: Natural
Inquiry
Legend
Literary Forms/Genre
Native Americans
November
Opportunity Costs
Philanthropic Act
Philanthropic Traditions
Reflection
Research
Response to Text/Others
Values
Wants/Needs

Explore the meaning of philanthropy through a Native American legend.

Duration 
PrintOne 45 Minute Session
Objectives 

The learner will be able to

  • identify a community need and the implications for the future.
  • give examples of acting generously to address a community need.
Materials 
  • The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola 
Bibliography 
  • DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Putnam Juvenile, 1996. ISBN: 0698113594.
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set

    Before reading aloud, share the illustrations from Tomie DePaolo's The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Preview the story with questions:

    In this legend, the Comanche People face a community problem. From the images, what do you think the community problem is? How do you think it will be solved? What do you think the future for the Commanche People will be like if they don't solve it?

  2. Read The Legend of the Bluebonnet aloud.

  3. Talk about the need the community faced and the options they had. What did the little girl do and why?  What did philanthropy, or generosity look like? How do you think she and the community felt about her sacrifice? What will healing look like in the future? 

  4. Many communities experience disasters and serious issues. How do people respond with generosity when there is a fire, flood, or contagious illness?  

    What would you be willing to give (may be time, talent, or treasure) in the face of a community issue?

    Which issue are you most willing to take action to address? 

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define philanthropy as the giving and sharing of time, talent, or treasure intended for the common good.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.6 Explain why acting philanthropically is good for the community, state, nation, or world.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark E.3 Identify the similarities in philanthropic behavior among people of different cultural backgrounds.
    2. Standard PCS 06. Philanthropy in History
      1. Benchmark E.4 Describe an early example of philanthropy practiced in the indigenous culture.
      2. Benchmark E.6 Trace the historic roots of philanthropy in the nation's history.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.9 Give examples how people give time, talent or treasure in different cultures.